David Ginola: Spurs fans must be patient

Friday 22 January 2010 08:40 BST

David Ginola has warned Tottenham fans it could take up to three years before his former club are ready to challenge for Champions League football.

Spurs had been tipped as contenders to join European football's elite this year after manager Harry Redknapp embarked upon a summer spending spree that saw the likes of Peter Crouch, Niko Kranjcar and Sebastien Bassong move to White Hart Lane.

Inconsistency has marred their progression this year, though, and wins against Liverpool and Manchester City have been in close proximity to home defeats to Stoke and Wolves.

Redknapp's side sit in fourth position but will lose their place if Roberto Mancini's City win their game in hand against Stoke.

A poor performance in last night's 2-0 defeat at Liverpool cast further doubt on the team's top-four credentials.

Ginola, who spent three successful seasons at Spurs, insists Redknapp is doing a good job but has warned supporters they may have to wait to see Champions League football at White Hart Lane.

Ginola said: "The club seems to be going in the right direction and if they continue like that then in the next two or three years the club will be right at the top of the league, not behind the top four but right in the middle of it.

"Last night was only one game. They have done very well for many many games but to lose against Liverpool is not a big deal.

"Obviously I would have preferred to see them winning but we are looking forward to the future.

"Harry Redknapp has done a fantastic job since he arrived and (chairman) Daniel Levy has as well."

Spurs' efforts this season have been hampered by injuries to Jonathan Woodgate, Michael Dawson and Ledley King, whose knee troubles have restricted him to 11 appearances this season.

Vedran Corluka and Tom Huddlestone have had to fill in for the injured trio at times this season and Ginola believes the north London club will have to buy at least one defender."The manager needs new investment in the club and in players," said Ginola, who was named as an ambassador for England's 2018 World Cup bid today."It seems that at the moment all the transfers that Harry has made were quite good for the club."If he brings in two or three more players, especially at the back then that could make the difference and will improve the team even more."